Dónal Lunny funeral arrangements announced

Funeral arrangements announced for musician Dónal Lunny in Newbridge

Irish folk and traditional music musician Dónal Lunny will be laid to rest this Saturday following his death last week at the age of 79. The funeral service will take place at 11 a.m. at St. Conleth’s Parish Church in Newbridge, County Kildare, according to a family notice published on RIP.ie.

The Tullamore native was a founding member of several influential Irish bands, including Planxty, The Bothy Band, and Moving Hearts. Lunny died of cancer at age 79. Throughout his career, he played guitar, keyboards, and bodhrán, but became widely recognized for popularizing the bouzouki within Irish traditional music after being introduced to the instrument by Andy Irvine in 1970.

Limited church capacity prompts live stream and global music tribute

Because capacity inside St. Conleth’s Parish Church is limited to family and close friends, the musician’s family requested that well-wishers and fans join them by watching the funeral ceremony via live stream. In lieu of traditional floral tributes, the family asked for Irish wildflowers, autumn leaves, and stones.

The family also encouraged supporters worldwide to play and share music with friends and family over the weekend to celebrate the connection brought by Lunny’s work. Participants were invited to share words and music online using the hashtag #donallunnyfleadh. A public book of condolences is available to sign at The Riverbank Arts Centre within the Kildare County Council Offices.

Lasting legacy across Irish traditional and contemporary music

Lunny’s career spanned decades of collaboration and innovation within the Irish music scene. He co-founded Mulligan Records, producing 17 albums and working with independent acts, alongside collaborating with prominent artists such as U2, Sinéad O’Connor, Elvis Costello, and Van Morrison. U2 frontman Bono previously referred to Lunny as Ireland’s answer to American producer Quincy Jones.

In 2018, Lunny received a lifetime achievement award at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards, followed by another lifetime achievement award in 2025 at the RTÉ Radio 1 Folk Awards, presented by Christy Moore. He is survived by his wife, Úna O’Boyle, his children Oisín, Cora Venus, and Sora, and his former partners.